Experience the First Macedonian Craft Gin Tasting in Skopje!

Along with the many tours and events you can organize through Kajak.mk, today we are expanding the "Things to Do in Skopje" list with another unique corner that we are sure will change your perception of the direction in which Macedonia is heading when it comes to the production of high-quality beverages.

Through this reading, we will take you on a journey through the charming and aromatic cellar of the first Macedonian craft gin made using the traditional London Dry technique, called "SMIDGIN."

To have a great day and, of course, a peaceful night’s sleep, we at the Kajak.mk team recommend gathering your group of friends or colleagues and booking the unique “The Smidgin Experience” tour. With every quality sip of Macedonian gin, this tour tells the story of how the distillery came to be and introduces you to the rich variety of fruits and botanicals that make Macedonia an ideal place for crafting premium gin.

In other words, The Smidgin Experience is the perfect choice for private gatherings of groups from 6 to 8 people. You can book the tour with just one click HERE.

The Smidgin distillery is located in the beautiful MCM building in Skopje. Every day, this building receives fresh deliveries of Macedonian juniper and mountain tea from Galicica. In addition to juniper and tea, Macedonia offers 12 more herbs from various regions that are combined in the gin-making process.

From the very beginning, SMIDGIN has focused on being known as a small craft gin bar, located in a unique spot in the heart of Skopje — the basement of MCM, a historic house once owned by the Ruben family. The idea to open a craft gin distillery in Macedonia stems from the deep passion for gin and the combined experience of Macedonian Ivan Skenderovski and Scotsman Graeme Lowther. Together, with the invaluable support of their master distiller Milica Pletvarska, they succeeded in creating the original recipe for what is now known as SMIDGIN.

If you ask us what makes this gin so unique, here’s our answer: SMIDGIN has a truly distinctive taste that comes from freshly hand-picked juniper berries — a major departure from the typical dried varieties found on the market. The berries used here grow wild across the Macedonian mountains, and you can even feel their essence firsthand if you visit the distillery. Another key ingredient is the mountain tea, which beautifully complements the freshness of the gin and gives it a unique character that sets it apart from anything you’ve tried before.

If you’re wondering how to properly drink gin, what to pair it with, or how to mix up your favorite cocktail — you’ll learn all that from Kristijan Risteski, one of the best cocktail masters around, and a true professional who really knows his craft.

“The Smidgin Experience” is more than just a tasting — it’s the perfect alternative to a classic birthday party, a laid-back evening with colleagues, or a celebration of your latest achievement. What makes this experience truly unique is the atmosphere in which it takes place: the fresh scent of gin, the charm of the space, and most importantly — the privacy you and your group can enjoy.

If you’d like to send a request to organize your own Smidgin Experience, just click HERE.